Norwich City's hunt for a new first team coach could end up being their most important signing of the summer, according to the club's chief executive, Canaries chief Neil Doncaster.

Norwich City's hunt for a new first team coach could end up being their most important signing of the summer, according to the club's chief executive, Canaries chief Neil Doncaster.

City are said to be at an “advanced stage” in their hunt for a man to fill the boots of Steve Foley, whose was sacked a week ago after 10 years in the job.

Manager Nigel Worthington said he wanted to freshen things up on the coaching side as City attempt to shake off the cobwebs of a poor Championship campaign.

Doncaster said that while getting a replacement in quickly was important, the club's top priority was to get the right man.

“It's absolutely crucial we get the right man,” he said. “This could be the most important signing for us of the summer.

“It's important we make sure we get it right. Ideally we would have them in place before pre-season training starts in late June, so we still have some time to make it happen. But we have to get the right person.”

Doncaster declined to say what stage the recruitment had reached or even whether the club had spoken to candidates, but said the process was at an advanced stage.

“I don't want to get drawn on how far we've got, but we are fairly well down the line with identifying the person we want to bring in,” he told the club's web site.

It's unlikely that Worthington will find his man inside the current Canaries set-up, with the current youth coach and technical director Dave Williams already ruled out.

“That's not an option,” said Worthington. “He's got a very important job as youth team coach.

“The process is in place where we will be talking to different people about the situation and we will get the right person to come in and do what is right for us. We are in the process and we've spoken to two or three different people.

“What we're looking for is obviously a new face, a new voice, fresh ideas and the quality of the coaching. All that has to come into the scenario. And we'll go through that very thoroughly and find the right man for what is a great job.”